Hair Follicle Drug Testing - Argonne, WI

What it is, How it works

Hair testing is increasingly viewed as a potent method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. The hair serves as a long-term archive of alcohol and drug use, capturing biomarkers within the fibers of the hair strand as it grows. When collected near the scalp, hair can offer a detection window of up to roughly 3 months for alcohol and drugs. Collecting hair is straightforward, somewhat resistant to tampering, and simple to transport.

A 1.5-inch segment of around 200 hair strands (comparable to the size of a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp provides 100mg of hair, which is the optimal sample size for testing and confirmation. For EtG, add-ons, and/or tests beyond 10 panels, 150mg of hair is advised. It is recommended to weigh the specimen on a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair is not available, a similar quantity of body hair can be used. When mentioning head hair, we are specifically referring to scalp hair. Body hair includes all other types of hair (facial, axillary, etc.).

Process Overview

The core four steps in the laboratory processing of a drug test result are Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.

Accessioning involves the initial phase of processing a sample into a laboratory’s system. This step includes ensuring the sample was properly sealed and shipped, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any additional data entry missing from an electronic chain of custody system.

Screening is a quick initial check for drugs of abuse. Although Screening provides a cost-effective means to rule out drug use on most samples, a positive screen must be confirmed for it to be valid in legal settings. Any samples that show positive results in Screening require further confirmation.

If a sample tests positive during Screening, additional hair is extracted from the original specimen and prepared for Extraction. In this phase, drugs are extracted from hair at much lower concentrations compared to other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), which is why hair drug screening is the most challenging methodology to perform.

Confirmation for any positive screening result is carried out using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples with presumptive positive results are washed before confirmation as required. The complete laboratory process from Accessioning to Confirmation is reviewed under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and the ISO / IEC 17025 standards accreditation.

Advantages of hair drug testing:

• Extended detection period: Hair drug tests can identify drug use for up to 90 days, whereas urine tests have a shorter detection period.
• Difficulty in deception: Cheating a hair drug test is very challenging, enhancing result accuracy.
• Shows usage patterns: It can illustrate drug use trends over time, not merely recent usage.

Limitations:

• Unable to detect recent usage: It takes roughly 5-7 days for drugs to be traceable in hair.
• Expense: Hair drug tests tend to be costlier than other testing methods.
• Result variability: Factors like hair color and individual differences in hair growth can influence drug metabolite concentrations in hair.

Note: Though commonly called "hair follicle tests", the test examines the hair strand rather than the follicle under the scalp.

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing

Among the key advantages of hair follicle testing over urine testing in Argonne, WI, is its superior detection accuracy. Hair tests offer a broader timeframe for identifying drug use, capturing evidence long after ingestion. This method minimizes the risk of false negatives, providing peace of mind to employers aiming for accurate results. Enhanced reliability bolsters the argument for hair testing as a more dependable option than urine testing.

Extended Detection Window

Hair follicle testing in Argonne, WI, extends the timeframe for substance detection up to 90 days. This significant advantage offers employers a thorough overview of an individual's drug use history. Unlike urine tests with a limited detection window, hair testing paints a full picture of substance habits, enabling informed, strategic decisions regarding employment based on comprehensive substance history.

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method

The integrity of hair follicle testing in Argonne, WI, makes it a forthright choice for reducing sample tampering risks. This method's secure nature greatly diminishes opportunities for adulteration or substitution. Observed collection and analysis procedures provide reliable and indisputable results. Implementing hair drug tests promises authenticity, thereby enhancing result credibility beyond comparables like urine tests.

Convenient Nationwide Locations

Accredited testing centers across the nation, including those in Argonne, WI, bring unparalleled convenience for drug testing access. Their wide network ensures swift service, making the testing process hassle-free. Whether locally in Argonne or beyond, individuals find it easy to access necessary testing services promptly, thanks to strategic locations minimizing travel constraints and optimizing user experience.

Simple, Confidential Process

The simplicity and confidentiality of the hair follicle testing process in Argonne, WI, reassure participants of privacy protection. Orders, tests, and results follow streamlined procedures that prioritize user ease and confidentiality. Quick, unobtrusive testing empowers individuals to maintain privacy without sacrificing swiftness or convenience, making the process straightforward from start to finish.

Affordable, Fast Turnaround

Argonne, WI, offers competitive pricing for hair follicle tests, making them an affordable choice with swift return times. This testing method's high value includes not only cost-effectiveness but also rapid results that do not compromise quality. All business sizes benefit, securing significant cost savings and enjoying the prompt, reliable results that come with hair follicle testing.

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results

The modern hair follicle drug test is lauded for its speed and accuracy. In Argonne, WI, this testing method ensures swift results that reflect a high level of precision. Detecting substance use is accomplished quickly with the hair follicle test, making it a reliable option over more traditional methods. The advancements in hair analysis technology facilitate immediate insights for individuals and organizations alike.

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers

For employers in Argonne, WI, adhering to a drug-free workplace policy is streamlined through hair follicle testing. Compliance is paramount, and this method supports legal safeguarding against potential drug-related liabilities. Employers gain confidence from the reliable evidence provided by hair tests, contributing to a safer working environment and establishing a foundation of trust and security within the organization.

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What's New In Hair Follicle Drug Testing according to the Hair Drug Testing Experts

With its multidisciplinary nature, hair testing brings together researchers, scientists, and experts from various domains to develop innovative techniques, explore new methodologies, and address emerging concerns, responding to the ever-evolving challenges of drug abuse, therapeutic drug monitoring, and environmental exposures to pollutants.

The joint meeting of the Society of Hair Testing (SoHT) and the Italian Group of Forensic Toxicologists (GTFI) was organized in Verona, June 8–10, 2022, and hosted by the Legal Medicine team of the Verona University Hospital, directed by Franco Tagliaro together with Federica Bortolotti and Rossella Gottardo.

It served as a prominent platform for knowledge exchange and collaboration, facilitating groundbreaking advancements in hair testing and analysis. In this special issue of Drug Testing and Analysis, we aim to showcase the remarkable manuscripts presented at this significant event, shedding light on the latest research and highlighting the future directions in this field.

Novel Analytical Techniques: The Verona meeting witnessed the unveiling of cutting-edge analytical techniques, offering enhanced sensitivity, selectivity, and accuracy for drug testing. Remarkable advancements in sample preparation, detection, and identification of drug compounds have been presented. The manuscripts in this section presented novel approaches, such as multianalyte methods and on-line preparation which can enable rapid analysis and improve thorough forensic investigations.

Biomarkers and Pharmacokinetics: The identification and validation of reliable biomarkers and pharmacokinetic studies are fundamental aspects of drug testing and analysis. The impact of hair treatments on the oxidation/decomposition of drugs in hair was also explored, as the long-term fate of drugs incorporated in the keratin matrix. Furthermore, the SoHT meeting in Verona featured research on the identification and quantification of alcohol abuse biomarkers, their stability, and their correlation with exposure and other biomarkers.

Forensic Applications and Interpretation: One of the vital objectives of hair testing is its application in forensic investigations and legal proceedings. The SoHT meeting in Verona emphasized the significance of rigorous interpretation of analytical results and the need for standardized protocols. Manuscripts in this section present advancements in forensic toxicology, and have explored the challenges posed by emerging designer drugs and strategies to combat their proliferation. The pitfalls encountered when the exogenous/endogenous nature of a substance is questioned were presented and discussed. The special issue presents also manuscripts that delve into the ethical implications of drug testing in drug facilitated sexual assaults.

Clinical Applications of hair testing are witnessed by the insight on environmental tobacco smoke exposure, assessed by hair analysis in a population of students and the study of in utero-exposure to drugs of abuse through neonatal hair analysis. Exposure to drugs was also important in cases of child abuse/neglect, when the clinical purpose of hair testing merge with its forensic applications.

The legal framework surrounding hair testing and the achievement of guidelines to ensure fairness, accuracy, and confidentiality in drug testing practices have also been discussed,and the SoHT consensus on general hair testing and testing for drugs of abuse was presented at the meeting and published as a Letter to the Editor.

In conclusion, the special issue of Drug Testing and Analysis, featuring manuscripts from the SoHT–GTFI meeting in Verona 2022, reflects the remarkable advancements achieved in this field. The manuscripts provide valuable insights into novel analytical techniques, biomarkers, pharmacokinetics, forensic applications, and ethical considerations. As we embrace these advancements, we pave the way for a safer, healthier society, where drug testing and analysis serve as powerful tools in protecting public health and maintaining integrity in various sectors. The research presented in this special issue will undoubtedly shape the future of drug testing and analysis, fostering collaboration and inspiring further innovation in this crucial area of scientific inquiry.

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